Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

When it comes to simple, fresh, and classic comfort dishes, there's nothing quite like Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad. A true family favorite, this dish brings together crisp cucumbers, a velvety dressing, and just the right touch of tang.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish for a backyard barbecue or a refreshing addition to your weekday meals, this salad hits the mark every time.

Cucumber salads have long been a staple in many kitchens, but this recipe has that special touch that makes it unforgettable. Today, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to recreate this humble yet flavor-packed family recipe. Along the way, I’ll also share tips and tricks to elevate its taste and ensure it stays creamy and crunchy!

What Makes This Salad Special?

Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a recipe rooted in tradition. Growing up, this salad would grace the table during countless family gatherings, its cool, tangy flavor balancing perfectly with hearty grilled meals. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.

The magic lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The cucumbers provide a fresh crunch, while the creamy dressing is a symphony of tangy, sweet, and slightly savory notes. It’s no wonder that generations of our family have made this recipe their go-to salad dish.

Key Ingredients for Success

Before jumping into the recipe, let's talk about the ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple, relying on fresh and accessible items while emphasizing quality. Here's what you'll need:

Salad Base

Cucumbers (2 large or 3 medium): The star of the dish. English cucumbers work great as they’re less watery and have fewer seeds, but standard cucumbers are a fine substitute.
Onion (1 medium): A red onion works best for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and pop of color. White onions are a good substitute if you prefer.

Creamy Dressing

Sour Cream (1 cup): The heart of the dressing. It creates a luscious texture while maintaining tangy undertones.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds a touch of richness. For a lighter dish, consider using a low-fat option.
White Vinegar (1-2 tablespoons): For acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the sour cream and mayo.
Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon): A little sweetness enhances the overall harmony of flavors. Feel free to adjust this to taste.
Fresh Dill (1-2 tablespoons, chopped): Dill is the ultimate herb for cucumber salads, offering a fragrant herbal punch.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Elevates the flavors and ties everything together.

Optional additions include garlic powder for a subtle kick, or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch.

How to Make Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. If you’re using standard cucumbers, consider peeling the skin for a milder flavor. For a more elegant presentation, use a peeler to create a striped pattern by removing the skin in alternating strips.
Thinly slice the cucumbers into even rounds. Using a mandoline slicer can make this process faster and ensure consistent thickness.
Peel and slice the onion. Make sure the slices are thin enough to blend harmoniously into the salad without overpowering its texture.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers (Optional but Recommended)

Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to combine and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. This step draws out excess water from the cucumbers, ensuring your salad stays nice and creamy rather than watery.
After salting, rinse the cucumbers well with cold water, then pat them dry using paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white vinegar, granulated sugar, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Want more tang? Add a bit more vinegar. Prefer it sweeter? Add a pinch more sugar.

Step 4: Combine the Components

Add the cucumbers and onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together, making sure the vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give the salad one final toss. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with a bit of fresh dill or cracked black pepper. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack.

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Cucumber Salad

Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm cucumbers with a bright green color. Avoid those that are soft or have blemishes.
Control the Water Content: If skipping the salting step, you can blot the cucumber slices with paper towels to reduce moisture.
Customize the Dressing: Experiment with flavors! Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a slight tang or swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add thinly sliced jalapeños.
Keep it Fresh: Serve this salad within 24 hours for the best taste and texture. If storing, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you enjoy easy yet elegant dishes that impress friends and family, Dad's Creamy Cucumber Salad is the way to go. It’s budget-friendly, quick to throw together, and versatile enough to serve on any occasion. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—with its cool and creamy flavor, even kids who shy away from salads can be convinced to give it a try!

Share Your Culinary Adventure

We hope you enjoy making Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad as much as we’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your creation! Snap a picture and tag us on social media or leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Whether it’s a family picnic, weeknight dinner, or a potluck with friends, this salad is bound to become a staple in your recipe arsenal. Happy cooking!